{"meta":{"humanUrl":"https://us-uk.bookimed.com/clinics/country=republic-of-korea/illness=atrial-septal-defect/","canonicalUrl":"https://us-uk.bookimed.com/clinics/country=republic-of-korea/illness=atrial-septal-defect/","jsonUrl":"https://us-uk.bookimed.com/clinics/country=republic-of-korea/illness=atrial-septal-defect/data.json","title":"Atrial septal defect Treatment in Republic of Korea 2026 — Cost & Clinics","description":"Compare 3 verified Atrial septal defect treatment in Republic of Korea, ranked on real patient requests & reviews, not ads. See prices for each. Get your free quote!","heading":"Atrial Septal Defect Treatment in Republic of Korea — Get 3 Personalized Clinic Matches","locale":"en","schemaVersion":"ClinicListingPageDataV1","snapshotId":"4056fd07-87ec48bc","contentVersion":"4056fd07","generatedAt":"2026-11-13T02:15:11.759Z"},"filters":{"country":"republic-of-korea","illness":"atrial-septal-defect","page":1},"pagination":{"page":1,"totalCount":3,"totalPages":1},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"/"},{"name":"Clinics","url":"/clinics/"},{"name":"Republic of Korea","url":"/clinics/country=republic-of-korea/"},{"name":"Atrial septal defect","url":"/clinics/country=republic-of-korea/illness=atrial-septal-defect/"}],"entities":[{"name":"Republic of Korea","alias":"republic-of-korea","type":"country","id":36},{"name":"Atrial septal defect","alias":"atrial-septal-defect","type":"illness","id":892}],"clinics":{"clinics":[{"text":"<p>Sejong Hospital was the first in Korea to reach 100+ 3D endoscopy-guided heart surgery cases. Bucheon Sejong is Korea’s only Ministry-designated heart-specialized hospital. For atrial septal defect, options include catheter-based treatment, standard open-heart repair, and right axillary thoracotomy. The axillary approach avoids a sternal incision and is associated with minimal visible scarring and faster recovery. Dedicated congenital heart and GUCH/ACHD clinics support care from adolescence into adulthood. No verified prices are available.</p>","text_type":"mt_wow_description","best_texts":{"techniques":"Catheter-based ASD closure, open-heart surgical repair, echocardiography, pediatric cardiac angiography","good_fit_for":"Adults with atrial septal defect who outgrew pediatric care","why_its_ranked":"Catheter-based ASD closure without open-heart surgery, plus dedicated grown-up congenital heart clinics. Doctors have performed 1,200+ pediatric and congenital cardiac interventions."},"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":7266,"alias":"sejong-hospital","name":"SEJONG HOSPITAL","short_description":"<p>Sejong Hospital is a comprehensive medical institution in Korea, operating through Bucheon Sejong Hospital and Incheon Sejong Hospital and serving over 402,000 patients each year. The hospital has a strong focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care, with specialized, patient-centered treatment also available in cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and preventive health screening. Its structured multidisciplinary system and international patient services provide coordinated care designed to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient convenience for both domestic and international patients.</p>","images":[{"base_url":"clinic/69523067180b0","title":"Sejong Hospital modern clinic building exterior with parking in Incheon, South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952306e71aa3","title":"Modern exterior of SEJONG HOSPITAL in South Korea with glass facade"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952307659231","title":"Spacious lobby at SEJONG HOSPITAL with modern design and large glass windows"},{"base_url":"clinic/695230806f242","title":"Monitoring station with medical equipment at SEJONG HOSPITAL, South Korea"}],"flags":[{"name":"has_active_agencies","value":true},{"name":"is_hide","value":false}],"geo":{"country":{"name":"Republic of Korea","id":36,"alias":"republic-of-korea","iso_code":"KR"},"city":{"name":"Incheon","id":327,"alias":"incheon"},"address":"South Korea, Incheon, Gyeyang-gu, Gyeyangmunhwa-ro, 20"},"rating":{"rating":0,"google":3.8,"percent_of_satisfied_clients":0},"statistics":{"number_of_reviews":0,"doctors_number":103,"year_foundation":1982},"accreditations":[{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5df76f5a0c887.jpeg","name":"Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation","country_code":"KR"}],"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}]}},{"text":"<p>Seoul National University Bundang Hospital is Korea's first digital hospital, utilizing the BESTcare system to enhance treatment safety for atrial septal defect procedures. The multidisciplinary center handles 1.5 million patients annually with dedicated cardiac specialists.</p>","text_type":"mt_wow_description","agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":408,"alias":"seoul-national-university-bundang-hospital","name":"Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)","short_description":"<p>Seoul National University Bundang Hospital is South Korea's first digital hospital. It treats 1.5 million patients annually with the BESTcare safety system. Core specialties include general surgery, oncology, orthopedics, and cardiovascular care.</p> <ul> <li>World's first laparoscopic liver resection in a child and first extended cholecystectomy.</li> <li>5,000 stomach cancer surgeries completed, 90% performed laparoscopically.</li> <li>Cardiovascular Center handles 103,000 patients and 2,400 open heart surgeries yearly.</li> <li>Over 1,000 Gamma Knife procedures for head and neck tumors completed.</li> <li>Named to Newsweek's World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 and GHA-accredited.</li> </ul>","images":[{"base_url":"clinic/5b9bc4235e081","title":"Seoul National University Bundang Hospital exterior surrounded by greenery in South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/5b9bc41ee99c5","title":"Seoul National University Bundang Hospital exterior surrounded by forested hills"},{"base_url":"clinic/5b9bc417e8a3d","title":"Entrance to Health Promotion Center at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital"},{"base_url":"clinic/5b9bc41b4594c","title":"Advanced operating room at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with surgical team"}],"flags":[{"name":"is_hide","value":false},{"name":"has_active_agencies","value":false}],"geo":{"country":{"name":"Republic of Korea","id":36,"alias":"republic-of-korea","iso_code":"KR"},"city":{"name":"Seoul","id":328,"alias":"seoul"},"address":"Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si, Bundang-gu, Jeongja 3(sam)-dong, 173, ８２"},"rating":{"rating":4.9,"google":3.8,"percent_of_satisfied_clients":98},"statistics":{"number_of_reviews":7,"doctors_number":732,"year_foundation":1885},"accreditations":[{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5d10bad3836ab.jpeg","name":"Global Healthcare Accreditation Program","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/609cdeda74941.jpeg","name":"World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/6360fa074cde8.jpeg","name":"World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"}],"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}]}},{"text":"<p>Severance Hospital's cardiovascular center provides specialized care for atrial septal defect at its JCI-accredited facility. The hospital serves 1.6 million outpatients annually and operates as part of Yonsei University's health system.</p>","text_type":"mt_wow_description","agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":254,"alias":"severance-hospital","name":"Severance Hospital","short_description":"<p>Severance Hospital is a JCI-accredited multidisciplinary hospital affiliated with Yonsei University in Seoul. It specializes in radiosurgery, robotic surgery, cardiac surgery, and oncology.</p> <ul> <li>1.6 million outpatients and 40,000 operations handled each year.</li> <li>Over 4,000 robotic surgeries performed using the Da Vinci system.</li> <li>Cancer center partners with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins University.</li> <li>Pediatric clinic collaborates with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.</li> <li>Accredited by JCI and KOIHA. Named among Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals.</li> </ul>","images":[{"base_url":"clinic/5c87c45fdccfd","title":"Severance Hospital modern exterior in Seoul, South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/5c78062f6b831","title":"Severance Hospital exterior in Seoul with cherry blossoms in spring"},{"base_url":"clinic/5c7805f7a5886","title":"Severance Hospital modern glass facade in Seoul, South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/5c7805f75fac1","title":"Reception and waiting area at Severance Hospital, modern medical facility in Korea"}],"flags":[{"name":"is_hide","value":false},{"name":"has_active_agencies","value":false}],"geo":{"country":{"name":"Republic of Korea","id":36,"alias":"republic-of-korea","iso_code":"KR"},"city":{"name":"Seoul","id":328,"alias":"seoul"},"address":"50-1 Yonsei-ro, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea"},"rating":{"rating":4.5,"google":3.7,"percent_of_satisfied_clients":83},"statistics":{"number_of_reviews":43,"doctors_number":2000,"year_foundation":1885},"accreditations":[{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5cfa0ad8c533a.jpeg","name":"Joint Commission International ","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5df76f5a0c887.jpeg","name":"Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation","country_code":"KR"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/609cdeda74941.jpeg","name":"World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/60d499a36ac19.jpeg","name":"World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/636103a731801.jpeg","name":"World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"},{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/6360fa074cde8.jpeg","name":"World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek","country_code":"US"}],"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}]}}],"meta":{"total_count":3,"total_pages":1}},"clinicsMeta":{"total_count":3,"total_pages":1},"clinicsCount":3,"clinicsCountByEntity":{"clinic_count":60},"doctors":{"doctors":[{"doctor":{"id":11178,"alias":"sungho-kim","name":"Sungho Kim ","clinic_id":7266,"photo":"doctor/695232044438d","first_year_working":1982,"created_at":"2025-12-29T07:47:15.013+00:00","short_description":"<p>Dr. Sungho Kim is a pediatric cardiologist at Sejong Hospital in Incheon. 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She treats congenital heart defects, Kawasaki disease, and pediatric arrhythmias. Dr. Kim trained at Severance Hospital, a top-tier medical center in Korea. She provides care at both Bucheon and Incheon Sejong Hospitals.</p><ul><li>Expertise in echocardiography for infants, children, and adolescents.</li><li>Treats structural heart issues like atrial and ventricular septal defects.</li><li>Collaborates with surgical teams for pre- and post-procedural heart care.</li><li>Practices at KOIHA-accredited Sejong Hospital, which sees 400,000+ annual patients.</li></ul>","specialities":[{"id":"ped.003","name":"Pediatric cardiologist","illness_kind_id":26}],"statistics":{"review_count":0,"review_score":0}},"clinic":{"id":7266,"alias":"sejong-hospital","name":"SEJONG HOSPITAL","short_description":"<p>Sejong Hospital is a comprehensive medical institution in Korea, operating through Bucheon Sejong Hospital and Incheon Sejong Hospital and serving over 402,000 patients each year. The hospital has a strong focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care, with specialized, patient-centered treatment also available in cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and preventive health screening. Its structured multidisciplinary system and international patient services provide coordinated care designed to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient convenience for both domestic and international patients.</p>","images":[{"base_url":"clinic/69523067180b0","title":"Sejong Hospital modern clinic building exterior with parking in Incheon, South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952306e71aa3","title":"Modern exterior of SEJONG HOSPITAL in South Korea with glass facade"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952307659231","title":"Spacious lobby at SEJONG HOSPITAL with modern design and large glass windows"},{"base_url":"clinic/695230806f242","title":"Monitoring station with medical equipment at SEJONG HOSPITAL, South Korea"}],"flags":[{"name":"has_active_agencies","value":true},{"name":"is_hide","value":false}],"geo":{"country":{"name":"Republic of Korea","id":36,"alias":"republic-of-korea","iso_code":"KR"},"city":{"name":"Incheon","id":327,"alias":"incheon"},"address":"South Korea, Incheon, Gyeyang-gu, Gyeyangmunhwa-ro, 20"},"rating":{"rating":0,"google":3.8,"percent_of_satisfied_clients":0},"statistics":{"number_of_reviews":0,"doctors_number":103,"year_foundation":1982},"accreditations":[{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5df76f5a0c887.jpeg","name":"Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation","country_code":"KR"}]}},{"doctor":{"id":11180,"alias":"jieun-ban","name":"Jieun Ban","clinic_id":7266,"photo":"doctor/695235ae08d67","first_year_working":2016,"created_at":"2025-12-29T08:02:51.704+00:00","short_description":"<p>Dr. Jieun Ban is a pediatric cardiologist at Bucheon Sejong Hospital. She specializes in pediatric arrhythmias and congenital heart disease. Dr. Ban performs catheter-based electrophysiologic treatments for children and adolescents. She works at Sejong Hospital, a KOIHA-accredited facility that serves over 402,000 patients annually.</p><ul><li>Expertise in treating atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventricular septal defects (VSD).</li><li>Performs cryoablation to treat heart rhythm disorders in infants and children.</li><li>Skilled in advanced echocardiographic assessment and pediatric cardiac syncope evaluation.</li><li>Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams including pediatric surgeons and intensive care specialists.</li></ul>","specialities":[{"id":"ped.003","name":"Pediatric cardiologist","illness_kind_id":26}],"statistics":{"review_count":0,"review_score":0}},"clinic":{"id":7266,"alias":"sejong-hospital","name":"SEJONG HOSPITAL","short_description":"<p>Sejong Hospital is a comprehensive medical institution in Korea, operating through Bucheon Sejong Hospital and Incheon Sejong Hospital and serving over 402,000 patients each year. 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Its structured multidisciplinary system and international patient services provide coordinated care designed to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient convenience for both domestic and international patients.</p>","images":[{"base_url":"clinic/69523067180b0","title":"Sejong Hospital modern clinic building exterior with parking in Incheon, South Korea"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952306e71aa3","title":"Modern exterior of SEJONG HOSPITAL in South Korea with glass facade"},{"base_url":"clinic/6952307659231","title":"Spacious lobby at SEJONG HOSPITAL with modern design and large glass windows"},{"base_url":"clinic/695230806f242","title":"Monitoring station with medical equipment at SEJONG HOSPITAL, South Korea"}],"flags":[{"name":"has_active_agencies","value":true},{"name":"is_hide","value":false}],"geo":{"country":{"name":"Republic of Korea","id":36,"alias":"republic-of-korea","iso_code":"KR"},"city":{"name":"Incheon","id":327,"alias":"incheon"},"address":"South Korea, Incheon, Gyeyang-gu, Gyeyangmunhwa-ro, 20"},"rating":{"rating":0,"google":3.8,"percent_of_satisfied_clients":0},"statistics":{"number_of_reviews":0,"doctors_number":103,"year_foundation":1982},"accreditations":[{"logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/accreditations/5df76f5a0c887.jpeg","name":"Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation","country_code":"KR"}]}}],"meta":{"total_count":3,"total_pages":1}},"reviews":{"reviews":[],"meta":{"total_count":0,"total_pages":1}},"offers":{"cards":[],"metadata":{"total_count":0}},"listingTexts":{"entity_texts":{},"texts":{"guide_mc":{"text":"<p>Arrival</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Transfer to hotel/clinic from airport.</li>\n<li>Completion of necessary paperwork.</li>\n<li>Stay at hotel or clinic as per the arrangement.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Diagnostics</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Echocardiogram to visualize the heart\"s structure and check for defects.</li>\n<li>Electrocardiogram to evaluate heart\"s electrical activity.</li>\n<li>Chest X-ray to assess heart and lung health.</li>\n<li>Cardiac CT or MRI for detailed heart imaging.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Treatment Plan Development</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Discussion of diagnostic findings with medical team.</li>\n<li>Development of individualized treatment plan based on health status.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Treatment</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cardiac catheterization to close the defect if it\"s small.</li>\n<li>Open-heart surgery under general anesthesia for larger defects.</li>\n<li>Procedure usually lasts 2-4 hours.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Follow-up</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Regular check-ups post-treatment to monitor recovery.</li>\n<li>Ongoing echocardiograms to evaluate heart function.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Rehabilitation</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.</li>\n<li>Cardiac rehabilitation if recommended by the doctor.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><i>Note that the diagnostic and treatment plan can differ depending on the individual\"s health status and the severity of the defect. Other options such as medication or minimally invasive procedures may also be considered.</i></p>"}}},"faq":[{"id":"6a24218bf4025ccbd609dc53","question":"What are the main treatment methods available for ASD in South Korea?","answer":"<p>South Korea provides advanced atrial septal defect (ASD) treatment through catheter-based closure or open-heart surgical repair. Specialized cardiac centers like Sejong Hospital emphasize minimally invasive device closure for secundum-type defects. These procedures involve highly experienced interventional pediatric cardiologists using modern diagnostic echocardiography and digital imaging.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Catheter closure:</strong> Interventionalists use small devices to seal defects without opening the chest.</li> <li><strong>Surgical repair:</strong> Surgeons perform open-heart procedures for large defects or complex heart anatomy.</li> <li><strong>Advanced diagnostics:</strong> High-resolution heart ultrasound and digital imaging ensure precise defect measurement and sizing.</li> <li><strong>Expert specialists:</strong> Doctors like Dr. Sungho Kim have performed 1,200+ pediatric cardiac interventions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> Patient volume is a major quality indicator in South Korea. Sejong Hospital treats over 400,000 patients annually and maintains a massive multidisciplinary staff. Specialized hospitals like this often offer more deep-niche expertise in pediatric cardiology than general clinics. This high volume leads to refined protocols for catheter-based interventions and faster recovery times.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients often hope for catheter closure because it typically leads to a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Many emphasize checking if the defect anatomy is eligible for a device before committing to traditional surgery.</p>","is_active":true,"category":{"id":"68f5f2ea1567cb687e0a7542","name":"faq_content","title":"faq_content"}},{"id":"6a2421ff4c148407a90aea42","question":"How successful are ASD closure procedures in South Korea?","answer":"<p>Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in South Korea is highly successful. Leading centers report success rates between 95.8% and 100%. Surgeons prioritize percutaneous device closure to avoid open-heart surgery. Facilities often hold Joint Commission International (JCI) and KOIHA accreditations for safety.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Success rates:</strong> Clinical data shows success reaching 100% for transcatheter interventions.</li> <li><strong>Advanced technology:</strong> Clinics utilize BESTcare AI systems to eliminate medical errors.</li> <li><strong>Specialized expertise:</strong> Top professors have performed over 1,200 specialized cardiac interventions.</li> <li><strong>Patient volume:</strong> Major hospitals like Severance serve over 4,000,000 patients annually.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While many search for surgical options, South Korean specialists focus heavily on catheter-based interventions. Dr. Sungho Kim at Sejong Hospital has performed 1,200 procedures. He pioneered techniques that minimize the need for open-heart surgery. This high procedural volume at specialized centers like Sejong ensures clinicians handle complex defect shapes with high precision.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients note the procedure feels routine and much less intense than expected. Many describe immediate relief from fatigue and shortness of breath quickly after the device is placed.</p>","is_active":true,"category":{"id":"68f5f2ea1567cb687e0a7542","name":"faq_content","title":"faq_content"}},{"id":"6a2422540dc78197050e6283","question":"Is transcatheter closure preferable to open-heart surgery, and why?","answer":"<p>Transcatheter closure is often preferable for atrial septal defect (ASD) due to its minimally invasive nature. It avoids large chest incisions or heart-lung bypass machines. South Korean JCI-accredited centers utilize specialized devices to achieve high success rates with faster recovery and fewer complications.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Invasive level:</strong> Catheter-based interventions avoid a sternotomy, leaving no visible chest wall scars.</li> <li><strong>Hospital stay:</strong> Patients typically remain hospitalized for only 1 to 2 days after procedure.</li> <li><strong>Recovery time:</strong> Faster return to work or school replaces weeks of surgical recovery.</li> <li><strong>Clinical safety:</strong> South Korean specialists report reduced needs for blood transfusions and lower infection rates.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> South Korea leads in specialized pediatric cardiac care. Clinical data from Sejong Hospital shows Prof. Dr. Sungho Kim alone has performed 1,200+ procedures. This massive volume ensures precise device anchoring even in complex congenital cases. Patients should prioritize clinics like Severance Hospital that offer both catheter and robotic options to ensure anatomy-based decisions.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients value the lack of a chest scar and how quickly they can start walking again. Some are surprised a device remains in the heart and note temporary fatigue is normal during the first week.</p>","is_active":true,"category":{"id":"68f5f2ea1567cb687e0a7542","name":"faq_content","title":"faq_content"}},{"id":"6a2422ba760fcff83f04da93","question":"What follow-up care is required after ASD closure?","answer":"<p>Follow-up care after ASD closure requires structured monitoring to ensure device stability and proper healing. Patients typically undergo echocardiography within 1–2 weeks and 6 months post-procedure. Standard protocols include antiplatelet therapy for 6 months and antibiotic prophylaxis during dental work to prevent infection.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Imaging checks:</strong> Echocardiograms confirm device position and track heart chamber size normalization.</li> <li><strong>Medication protocol:</strong> Aspirin therapy prevents blood clots while the heart tissue covers the device.</li> <li><strong>Infection prevention:</strong> Antibiotics are required before dental procedures for at least 6 months post-closure.</li> <li><strong>Activity levels:</strong> Patients resume normal activity within 1 week after catheter-based interventions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> South Korean centers like Sejong Hospital emphasize lifetime transition care. Our data shows specialists like Dr. Sungho Kim have over 40 years of experience. They specifically monitor patients from childhood into adulthood to manage rare late-developing arrhythmias. This long-term continuity is a hallmark of Korean cardiac protocols.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients note that heart palpitations or fatigue may linger briefly during the recovery weeks. Most emphasize that attending every scheduled echo check is vital for catching minor residual flows early.</p>","is_active":true,"category":{"id":"68f5f2ea1567cb687e0a7542","name":"faq_content","title":"faq_content"}},{"id":"6a24232cf0569705b9037563","question":"How long should I stay in South Korea for ASD treatment as an international patient?","answer":"<p>International patients typically stay in South Korea for 5 to 14 days for atrial septal defect (ASD) treatment. Minimally invasive catheter-based closures require shorter stays of 3 to 7 days. Open-heart surgery necessitates at least 10 to 14 days for recovery and safe travel clearance.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Diagnostic phase:</strong> Pre-operative evaluations including echocardiography and genetic testing usually take 2 to 3 days.</li> <li><strong>Catheter-based stay:</strong> Device closure procedures typically involve an overnight hospital stay and 3 days monitoring.</li> <li><strong>Surgical recovery:</strong> Open-heart surgery requires 5 to 7 days of hospitalization plus local post-discharge monitoring.</li> <li><strong>Travel clearance:</strong> A final echocardiogram is required before long-haul flights to confirm successful defect closure.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While large Seoul centers handle massive volumes, Sejong Hospital in Incheon specializes purely in heart health. Dr. Sungho Kim pioneered catheter-based treatments there and has performed over 1,200 procedures. Choosing a heart-specific facility can streamline your pre-op timeline, potentially saving 2 days of diagnostic waiting.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients note that pre-surgical clearance is often the longest part of the trip. Most recommend booking a return flight with flexible dates to accommodate the doctor's final post-procedure checkup.</p>","is_active":true,"category":{"id":"68f5f2ea1567cb687e0a7542","name":"faq_content","title":"faq_content"}},{"id":"6a24238abc92ea50ee00cc83","question":"Do Korean cardiologists and support staff speak English?","answer":"<p>Major Korean cardiologists at institutions like Severance Hospital and Sejong Hospital frequently speak fluent English. These specialists often undergo clinical training or research in Western medical centers. Top-tier hospitals also operate dedicated international centers staffed with coordinators to bridge language gaps for atrial septal defect patients.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Specialist training:</strong> Many cardiologists complete fellowships in prestigious United States or European hospitals.</li> <li><strong>International departments:</strong> Facilities like Severance Hospital provide coordination through JCI-accredited international healthcare centers.</li> <li><strong>Support staff:</strong> General ward staff and administrative personnel may have varying levels of English.</li> <li><strong>Digital support:</strong> Smart systems at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital enhance communication with overseas patients.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While doctors often speak English well, the logistics of a 3,700-bed facility like Severance Hospital can be overwhelming. 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